User Reviews

In many ways 'Cut Snake' is a wasted opportunity: it could have been a worthy social drama about how young men sent to prison cope with their prison history when they're out. Critical acclaim and award ceremonies would have followed. Instead, it's packed with macho violence, swearing and drag queens. So fewer filmsnob points, but probably more box office success.

It's Australia (in the 1970s, judging from the outfits). Ex-con 'Sparra' (the personable Alex Russell) is going straight and working in a broom factory when an old mucker from prison, 'Pommie' (Sullivan Stapleton) turns up. Pommie quickly inveigles his way into the home of Sparra and fiancée Paula, despite the former's reluctance - it is clear there is some prison-based connection between the pair, a connection Pommie is determined will continue. Meanwhile, his violent tendencies come to the fore.

Although it is fairly obvious early on what the connection is between Pommie and Sparra, this isn't explicitly stated until late in the film - meaning the viewer cannot be sure s/he fully understands Pommie and Sparra's motivations. But other aspects of the story rattle along at a fair old pace. As for the acting, Russell does well enough in portraying Sparra's confusion, but Stapleton seems so intent on channeling every one-note psycho who has ever featured on screen that by the time his big emotional scene rolls around it is hard to take him seriously. Still, caught as it is between the two genres of social drama and action thriller, 'Cut Snake' is an entertaining film and I would be happy to watch it again.

"Good day, Paula. I'm Jim, but you can call me Pommie."

My expectations are pretty high strung whenever I encounter an Australian movie again. I was pleasantly surprised already a few times after discovering a film from Down Under. Even though "Cut Snake" put me on the wrong track at a certain moment, the film in general wasn't really surprising. The denouement was even extremely predictable. The two main characters Jim "Pommie" Stewart (Sullivan Stapleton) and Mervyn "Sparra" Farrell (Alex Rusell) shared a grim past. That was kind of obvious. I didn't expect those two former prisoners to have a connection on a whole different level. At first it seemed Pommie had traced his partner in crime just to convince him to pick up the thread on a criminal level. As it becomes clear that Sparra has chosen to walk the right path, this throws a spanner in the works. Sparra has resolutely opted for the ordinary life with his fiancée Paula (Jessica De Gouw). Even a poorly paid job can't convince him to go back to a world of crime. What follows is a complex and tumultuous love triangle.

It's safe to say that "Cut Snake" is a melodramatic thriller. What certainly stands above the rest in this film is the acting of Sullivan Stapleton. Pommie is the type of figure who makes you feel a little uneasy instantly. A burly, heavily tattooed and intimidating appearance whose uncontrollable rage suddenly breaks out and then quickly disappears. Unerringly if unwittingly, Sparra is sucked into a destructive spiral of aggression and violence. And he himself will end up in an inner conflict. Even though it appears from the outset it's heading for a typical crime film, the movie makes an unexpected twist, changing it into a very different mood. In contrast to the terrifying face of Stapleton, Alex Rusell has an angelic face. An ordinary guy who appeared out of nowhere in Paula's life and whose dark past remained hidden until Pommie appeared on the scene.

The film is set in the 70s and situated in an Australian town near Melbourne. The whole film is made in the outspoken style from the 70's. Clothing, vehicles and used soundtrack fit perfectly. My compliments to the decor department. And if you're wondering what the film title exactly means, then I suggest you look up the Australian statement "mad as a cut snake". "Cut Snake" is an indie with a two-faced character. On the one hand it's a simple crime film. On the other hand it's a rather bold melodramatic love story. The twist incorporated in the film is not without a risk. An experiment where some of the viewers will have second thoughts about. I appreciated the subtlety with regard to how everything was imaged. No overly explicit scenes were being used. Not even during the violent scenes. The highlight for me was the moment the tough and resolute Pommie emotionally crashed and briefly showed how fragile and helpless he was. A strong and persuasive piece. Are you an adventurous movie lover? Then this film is really something for you.

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Australian movies of late have really been on the rise, with some great entries like "The Rover","The Mule", "Son of a Gun" and "Mystery Road", just to name a couple. And now this. Another very entertaining piece of film making with excellent acting all round particularly the powerhouse performance by Sullivan Stapleton. He really is the main attraction, and I still wonder why we don't see a lot more of him in American action-pulp. On the other hand, here he proves once again to be a great actor capable of a lot more than the gung-ho marine beats and shoots bad guys type he plays in the Strike Back series, so maybe a couple more of these great indie productions wouldn't hurt at all. Particularly check the guy out in the amazing "Animal Kingdom" by the director of "The Rover". In which he also plays a charged up volatile character even more perfectly. A highly recommendable movie.

This doesn't reach that class, but definitely is in a class of it's own. I love the fact the movie plays out in the 70's including the perfect soundtrack and meticulous detailing. This combined with some great tension building, pretty shocking twists and confronting bouts of violence makes it a movie that stands out just that bit more than an average comparable US made production. 7/10

The overall rating for this movie is quite bad, so I didn't have much expectations. I was pleasantly surprised because I think it's a movie that opens the door for many conversations like toxic masculinity and the way we think we "possess" those we love. I think that it's true what other user said that this movie's biggest flaw is relying on many cliches - the cops being the worst of them all, but I also think it's the acting on secundary characters, the editing and the music choices that make you roll your eyes the most. It's sad because I think it could really have gone places.

Cut Snake, an Australian production, tells a good 'yarn'. Unfortunately, that's the only good thing about this movie.

Cut Snake is the story of 2 ex-offenders, "Pommie" (Sullivan Stapleton) and "Sparra" (Alex Russell), who have a bond, which seems to be fulfilled negatively through violence. After Pommie is released from prison, he's keen to re-unite with Sparra. However, Sparra has put the past behind him and is keen to get on with his life with his fiancée, Paula (Jessica De Gouw), his employment, and other goals. This doesn't fit with Pommie's plans and he goes about luring Sparra to a life of crime to enable him to bond again with Sparra.

From the outset this film lacked believability. The audience were left to work out what era it was set in by the fashion and cars. The acting quality was inconsistent and some of the film was incongruous. The ending is predictable in an unnecessarily negative way.

The film I saw was a preview with general release scheduled in 3 months. Some in the audience around me were sighing and shifting about in their seats restlessly as the movie progressed.

There has been some suggestion that this film is comparable to the highly acclaimed Animal Kingdom. It isn't! It doesn't have the suspense or sense of menace and the acting in Animal Kingdom is far superior.

Cut Snake is one of those rare films you find one night while searching through an endless list of films you have yet to see. You've looked over it numerously, thought about watching, even pressed played and quickly stopped... Why? I have no clue... Maybe because it's a little film with a cast and director i have no previous knowledge of... But Cut Snake is a good film... Just flawed with a sprinkle of Cliché undertones.

Merv (Alex Russell, "Chronicle") has a good life going with his girlfriend Paula (Jessica De Gouw, "Underground") but with the unexpected arrival of James (Sullivan Stapleton, "Blindspot") a friend from his shadowy past, he is forced to revisit closed doors. From here we enter a character study of these two men and how they both interactive and somehow fit together. With Merv, we see quiet and fragile; but a temper hidden deep within. James, anger, sadness and neglect. Blake Ayshford and Tony Ayres ("The Slap") do a wonderful job of dissecting both men and yet showing how they fit together or most importantly what brought them together. But because we've already seen a movie like this before... (Brookeback Mountain) the emotional gravitas of this film falls flat. It feels as we are getting the same movie only with a slightly different plot and characters. Swapping the late Ledger for Russell, and Gyllenhaal for Stapleton; who unlike Gyllenhaal is a closeted homosexual but unsure why he resents his feelings. We even having the awe-struck girlfriend who is saddened by what she sees. But the real star of this film is Stapleton, who honestly carries the burden of coming home to find your love one has moved on. He affectedly shows us anger and yet humorously makes jokes about the situation with each step. Cut Snake is an entertaining film if your in the mood for another Brookeback Mountain.

Cut Snake is the latest feature from Australian director Tony Ayers. I enjoyed his 2002 feature 'Walking on Water', and thought he was one to watch. Weaving between single dramas, mini series and feature films, Tony's latest Cut Snake is of interest for his name, and secondly for that of leading man Sullivan Stapleton. An actor on the rise, Sullivan has also been carving out a name for himself across different mediums, and he makes the most of his leading status, piercing the lens with his brooding frame and affect. It is at times a bold and shocking performance; one that elevates him, rightfully to leading status in this country. Alex Russell and Jessica De Gouw were both discoveries for me, and the former emerges with the more fleshed out and compelling character. It is beautifully designed and directed and an interesting interplay of genres and characterizations.

This movie is quite frankly terrible. Terrible. Slow pacing and a bizarre twist that just makes no sense besides a plot twist.

The only good thing about it is that is was short enough to allow me to get out of the car park without paying for parking.

Do not waste your time watching. But if you must just know that you were warned and you didn't listen.

Terrible. Zero thumbs up.

I can't think of a worse way to spend an hour an a half. I just hope no taxpayers money was wasted on this. Again do not waste your time. *angry face

Cut Snake is not your average/usual crime thriller. It is luckily much more. Somewhat based on the actual events that happened in Brisbane, Australia at The Whiskey A Go Go Night Club Fire that left 15 people dead in 1973. But the star attraction here is Sullivan Stapleton, known from 300:Rise of An Empire, Strike Back TV Series, Animal Kingdom and other movies and TV shows. He plays a testosterone filled criminal, full of anger and rage. He is most surely deserving of an award for his performance here. Sullivan's character is also a much more complex and not really what he seems to be at first. His character Pommie is an emotionally disturbed and hurt, character out of jail looking to rekindle with an old flame played by Alex Russell, that made a promise to him when they were in jail together. One of the surprises here is that both male leads are gay/bi and very masculine (unlike most false Hollywood characterization of a gay male being effeminate) Cut Snake will take you for a ride ( a good one at that) and leave you wanting more. Be sure to see it.

This is a very dark, tense peak into post prison trauma in 70s Australia. Solid acting and good direction.

Uncomfortable yet riveting.

A good watch.

I am an Aussie and I like to support our Australian film industry and so I wanted to like this movie, but unfortunately it turned out to be disappointing.

I agree with the points made by the two earlier reviews of "gazferg" and "mattory" In my view, some elements were fine, but other parts were so poor that they dragged the movie down to finish up with something that, in the end, was very poor.

Sullivan Stapleton as "Pommie" is excellent; his menacing presence was quite gripping however the other two leads, Alex Russell and Jessica De Gouw did not quite deliver the performances required to make the movie work. Unfortunately, a few of the other bit part players were so poor they were farcical.

The technical side of the filmmaking is quite solid.

In the end the weaknesses of the script and direction, particularly as the film spirals to its ending, ruins the film, leaving this viewer extremely disappointed.

I saw this premier last night and their was discussion on not revealing the twist and I wont for the sake of this review but I think its a bad idea not to reveal the twist. I think it'll make more money by revealing it. If its left as surprise it comes across more as a reflection on the actors ability to quickly change character as opposed to steeping in from the beginning that these characters can and do exist in the way they are despite their difference. It also seems clunky then and without integrity to appear suddenly different to the point that after that twist is established the movie is finished and resolved. The cinematography was very good and it really did have great features. Once scene in the Chinese restaurant didn't quote cut it for me though. Still overall collaboratively it presented round and beautiful to watch.

(2014) Cut Snake CRIME THRILLER

It takes place during the 1970's Australia with Pommie (Sullivan Stapleton) once out of prison determines to seek for a specific person. And we learned that he's looking for another bloke he nicknames, Sparra (Alex Russell) this is just when he proposes to his fiance, Paula (Jessica De Gouw). And once Pommie finds him, he turns his life to a living hell. Actually, now that I think about it, it's more of a prison variation of "Brokeback Mountain" The fact that it is made up makes this movie much more unbearable for the entire scenario is not credible to begin with.

I honestly don't know why the movie received such low scores. It seems like a combination of people expecting it to be more of a fast-paced action film or people offended/turned off by the gay element/subplot of the film. That kind of ignorance in 2019 is really quite discouraging.

For a more objective perspective, keep in mind this in an independent film that's much more of a character study than some sort of heist film. One reviewer drew a parallel to Brokeback Mountain, and there are definitely similarities - specifically that love and sexuality can be fluid and even confusing, and more importantly that one can't chose whom they love. However, it's not a rip-off of Brokeback Mountain; in fact I believe it's loosely based on real people & events. In doing so, it's also a look into a person's nature and If they can change or if they're doomed to repeat the past they know.

So, no, it's not some glossy big budget Hollywood fare, but it's a solid film with some honestly sincere performances - I was really quite impressed w Sullivan Stapleton (showing range I've not seen before). I may have given it a higher rating than it deserves (it may be closer to a 7), but that was partially to offset the unfairly low ratings.

Bottom line: If you're looking for an action flick, then skip it, but if you enjoy well crafted character driven films (that may take a different approach to story telling than American audiences are accustomed to), then give the film a chance.

Cut Snake is an intense film with very tense moments; even when the core of the story is about a homosexual relationship, it only shows what's absolutely necessary to convey the intensity of the emotions boiling in its characters, without resorting to excessive nudity, or scenes that are 'too sexual' or distasteful, the characters are very believable and well developed, the pacing is just right, and the acting is excellent, especially the part played by Sullivan Stapleton, he did an amazing job at bringing his character (Pommie) to life.

This is an excellent film but definitely not for everybody, if you're planning on watching this film, do so with an open mind.

Well, this was a very nice surprise! From the moment Pommie (Sullivan Stapleton) makes his appearance in the film, one can feel the tension. A tension that never lights up and - on the contrary - intensifies immensely towards the final act. Interestingly enough, although Pommie is the antagonist, he remains a very likable character - a character I feel and care for, and who's motives I completely understand and actually justifies.

It was also interesting to see Sparra (Alex Russell)'s character develop from an ex-convict now leading a clean existence, to becoming convict again, although unintentionally. This is a very different love story, and also a story of jealousy, and how far one would go for the person you love. Sullivan is really great in this film (and the rest of the cast as well). It is a role I never expected him to do, but he does it so incredibly well that I believed and liked everything about the character.

The film contains drama, action, suspense and romance in equal proportions.

Just saw this film and it left me absolutely speechless. I did not know what to expect. A friend told me I had to rent this movie. She had just seeing it. She Saw. It kept me at the edge of my seat. This is one of the few film where I was actually rooting for the bad guys hoping that they would be able to work things out. Seek this film out. Get it, watch it. I can assure you after you have watched it, you'll want to own it. Bravo to the filmmakers, actors and all involved the story was well paced, drafted & executed. I will be adding this film to my personal collection. No other best way to describe this film other than a m a z i n g!

Watch this movie with an open mind, many Men who have been or are in prison and watch this movie would relate to it. Love and caring truly has no boarders! Everyone if they choose to let it in deserve to feel loved, even if they have done bad things. This is another movie I will not forget. 9stars

Great casting delivering a very good storyline.

Gives an insight into someone trying to escape his past and spiralling out of control.